Investigators checking disabled placards on vehicles parked outside the L.A. County Fair last weekend issues 71 tickets for fraudulently using the parking passes, authorities said. California Department of Motor Vehicle investigators conducted the enforcement crackdown on Sunday outside the Fairplex at Pomona, 1101 W. McKinley Ave., aided by Pomona police and Fairplex administrators, DMV officials said in a written statement.

Of more than 371 placards examined, more than 300 of them, or 81 percent, were found to be valid, officials said. But 71 of them were being used fraudulently, resulting in citations.

“We want to make sure drivers who are parking in blue disabled parking spots are doing so legally,” according to DMV Investigations Chief Frank Alvarez. “We are constantly carrying out enforcement efforts throughout

the state to deter people from breaking the law and improve access for those with limited mobility.”

Pomona Police Chief Paul Capraro echoed the sentiment, adding that it benefits those who truly need to use disabled placards.

“I know for a fact that individuals who need designated disabled parking spots appreciate this effort,” the chief said. “We recognize the importance of making disabled parking available to those with valid placards and the Pomona Police Department plans to collaborate with the DMV on future enforcement efforts.”

Those caught using the placards fraudulently face fines ranging from $250 to $1,000, and will have the violation noted on their driving records.

DMV officials pointed out that not all disabilities are visible.

“The majority of Californians who apply for one have legitimate reasons for doing so,” according to the statement.

“The level of reported or observed misuse of disabled parking placards varies from area to area,” the statement continued. “Most violations involve people using disabled parking placards issued to family or friends to avoid paying parking fees, as well as obtaining convenient and/or unrestricted parking.”

DMV investigators have issued 1,062 citations between April 1 and Aug. 31 during similar crackdowns state-wide, officials added.

Brian Day has covered crime and breaking news for the Southern California News Group since 2007. He’s a graduate of California State University, Fullerton and Cerritos College in Norwalk. He loves dogs and has a pet German shepherd, which in turn, has a pet cat. Brian is a local news junkie, a licensed drone pilot and a part-time science geek with an unfortunate predilection for puns.